This is a tutorial on how to create beautiful, unique batik patterns with crayons. The tutorial uses the Crayola Color Wonder crayons and a wax paper stencil image of your choice.
This pattern is appropriate for kids of all ages, but can also be used for making other crafts. They uses the wax paper stencil technique to “draw” the pattern onto the crayons, which are then applied to a fabric, piece of paper or other medium.
Every week, millions of children in the U.S. use crayons to color in school or at home. As a result, crayons are among the most popular coloring tools for kids.
Crayola crayons are especially popular since they come in several bright colors, are very affordable and are long lasting when used properly.
Step by step how to batik with crayons
- Choose crayons
The style of crayon you choose to use for batik will determine the outcome. Crayola Color Wonder crayons are colored pencils for kids of all ages, but they work best for batik. Other brands of crayons can also be used if desired. You can use crayons in any color, but some work better than others. For example, completely opaque white and black colors create bolder patterns than lighter colors like yellow or pink when batiked on fabric.
- Select wax paper stencil image
Pick out an image for your stencil. Websites like the Magna Doodle website provide thousands of free images to use as stencils online or print out. If you want to design your own image, draw the desired design on wax paper with pencil, colored pencils or crayon before cutting it out into a stencil. You can also use any other sturdy sheet of paper that will be strong enough to hold up during the batik process.
- Cut out image
After you have chosen and cut out an image, trace the image onto the wax paper with a crayon of your choice. A white pencil crayon works best for this. Make sure you draw on the side of the wax paper that will be touching the crayons when they are used to batik. This also helps prevent a mess for any children using these tools.
- Apply stencil
Lubricate the wax paper image around the edges with water so it adheres to the crayon nicely. Put on rubber gloves and use your fingers to rub crayon over the whole surface of the image until all areas of wax paper are covered. Make sure you rub the crayons firmly into the paper, but not so hard that they leave marks or scratch it. You may need to hold the stencil in place while doing this for best results.
- Apply crayon to fabric
Apply the crayon to the fabric and allow to dry for a few minutes. The wax paper will stick well to the fabric once it is done drying. If your image isn’t sticking well, make sure it is completely dry before attempting to batik with crayons. Wait at least 20 minutes before attempting to batik again since the heat from your hands can cause wrinkles or wrinkles in the wax paper surface.
- Apply crayon to paper
Apply the crayon to the paper. Apply to both sides of the paper evenly for best results. Allow the crayon to dry completely before you try to batik again. You can use a heat gun or hairdryer on low heat to speed up the process if you are impatient. Do not put too much pressure on either hand or finger while applying crayons since they are very fragile.
- Batik with crayons
Use your fingers to apply wax paper and crayon designs to any fabric. Rub the crayon hard over the image on both sides of the fabric for best results. You can switch back and forth between sides or rub over each side until you get a waxy design that looks like a charcoal drawing. If you use two layers of wax paper, you can repeat this step without any chance of smudging the intricate stencil design.
- Create a patchwork
Take a piece of scrap fabric and cut out several pieces of varying sizes. Put the wax paper and crayon designs on all pieces of fabric and press them down firmly with your hands. Repeat this process until you have created the desired image on the fabric. You can trace out an existing design or create your own as you go along. Be sure to mix up the colors as you go to create a color patchwork.
- Sew and decorate
Sew the patchwork like a patchwork quilt and decorate with buttons, ribbons or anything else you want. You can even embroider if you wish. You can also carefully trim up the edges of your wax paper stencil design to create a visual design on the fabric. Depending on the size of your pieces, you may need to handle them gently since crayons can be very fragile and flimsy.
FAQs
Can you use crayons for batik?
Yes, you can use crayons for batik. A wonderful thing about crayons is that they can be colored on and then removed without any damage to the fabric.
Since you don’t need to use a large amount of crayon and keep re-applying it, you can create small, intricate designs using crayons. This makes them perfect for batiking on fabric with stencils or drawings.
How do you make paper batik crayons?
- Trace the design you want on the paper with a pencil. Make sure to use the side of the paper that you will be pressing against your fabric for good adhesion.
- Use a crayon to trace over the pencil lines on both sides of the paper until covered in crayon wax.
- Lay your fabric over one side of paper and rub it firmly with your fingers until it is all covered in wax, then lay it on top of your other color or design side and repeat this step until fully colored in by lining up sheets of waxed parchment between each layer (this prevents smudging).
- Allow to dry for about 20 minutes, then carefully peel back one layer at a time and press the design with your fingers to transfer wax and crayon to the fabric. You can also iron on top of fabric between each stenciling step if desired.
- Remove paper and trim edges as needed to create a visible design on the fabric. Designs created with crayons may be more prone to those with even light pressure than you would expect, so it is recommended that you use as little pressure as possible. You can add a second layer on top of an existing design to preserve the image.
What can I use instead of wax for batik?
It’s most likely that there isn’t anything you can use instead of wax for batik. Wax is the most effective material in the reticulating process, which allows for both direct and indirect colors to be transferred onto fabric without smudging.
You can also try using masking tape to hold the paper but it is not very effective at transferring color. It’s best to stick with wax paper when coloring with crayons or other materials that smear upon themselves.
Interesting Facts
Crayon batik on fabric in English is a unique art technique that involves using crayons to create beautiful designs on cloth. This process allows for vibrant colors and intricate details to be achieved easily. With simple materials and a bit of creativity, anyone can enjoy this fun and accessible form of fabric art.
Transfer fabric crayons are a popular tool for creating unique designs on fabric. These crayons, used in English-speaking countries, allow users to transfer colorful drawings onto fabric by ironing them. They provide a simple and fun way to add personalized touches to garments and craft projects.
One creative way to explore the traditional Indonesian art of batik is by learning how to membatik dengan crayon or batik with crayons. While batik typically involves using wax and dyes on fabric, fabric crayons offer a convenient alternative. If you’d like to give it a try, here’s a simple guide on how to use fabric crayons for crayon batik on paper or even transfer your design onto fabric.
To begin, gather your materials: fabric crayons, a white or light-colored piece of fabric or paper, a cloth or iron, and any desired design templates. If you’re working with fabric, pre-wash and iron it to remove any creases or sizing.
Start by selecting your design or drawing your own. Fabric crayons work best on light-colored or white surfaces, allowing the vibrant colors to stand out. Once you have your design ready, place it underneath your fabric or paper as a reference or tracing guide.
Using the fabric crayons, carefully apply the colors onto the fabric or paper, staying within the lines of your chosen design. Remember to apply gentle, even pressure to ensure smooth and consistent color. Feel free to blend and layer colors to achieve the desired effect and add depth to your crayon batik design.
If you’re working on paper, simply let your artwork dry before framing or displaying it. However, if you’re keen on transferring your crayon batik design to fabric, follow these additional steps.
Place a clean piece of cloth over your batik artwork and set your iron to the appropriate temperature for the fabric you’re using. Gently iron over the cloth, applying light pressure. The heat from the iron will melt the crayon and allow it to transfer onto the fabric. Keep ironing until you’re satisfied with the transfer.
Once finished, remove the cloth and let the fabric cool down. Voilà! You have successfully completed a crayon transfer to fabric in English, creating a unique batik-inspired design. Remember to wash the fabric according to the crayon manufacturer’s instructions to set the colors permanently.
Using fabric crayons for crayon batik offers a fun and accessible way to explore this traditional art form. Feel free to experiment with different designs, color combinations, and techniques to unleash your creativity and enjoy the beauty of crayon batik on paper or fabric.
How do you use crayons on fabric?
- Apply crayons over the fabric surface directly with your fingers or a tool such as a sponge or paintbrush,
- Apply the waxed paper pattern on top of this layer and press firmly until all wax is transferred to the fabric,
- Remove both layers of pattern paper and trim edges as needed to create a design that you can see clearly on your fabric piece.
